Faison Center Annual Report 2021/22 | Page 5

This newfound partnership has since led to The Faison Center being named as a preferred partner for experiential learning for students pursuing an Education minor at William & Mary . These students are now able to complete their teaching hours at The Faison Center ’ s Richmond and Newport News campuses . Further opportunities from this unlikely partnership are on the way , including research project collaboration and career development .

Dr . Donnor , for one , is excited about the power of this partnership . “ I am confident that the impact on faculty , staff , and the William & Mary community at large , will be

positive by expanding how we think about people with autism and other developmental disabilities ,” Dr . Donnor told us . “ Being a partner with The Faison Center means we have the opportunity to advocate on behalf of one of the most vulnerable and underserved populations in the Commonwealth of Virginia .”

At the end of the day , it goes to show that life-changing connections can be made anywhere – even over a pair of socks !

The Sir Christopher Wren Building at William & Mary

3